The Single Market refers to the EU as one territory without any internal borders or other regulatory obstacles to the free movement of goods and services. A functioning Single Market stimulates competition and trade, improves efficiency, raises quality, and helps cut prices. The European Single Market is one of the EU’s greatest achievements. It has fuelled economic growth and made the everyday life of European businesses and consumers easier.

Public procurement

Public procurement is the acquisition of goods and services by public authorities such as national, regional, or municipal governments. The EU works to ensure that public procurement is fair, competitive and conducive to the Single Market. Learn more about EU rules for contracting authorities and other aspects in the public procurement section.

Governance and monitoring of the Single Market

The Commission monitors the application of EU law and can launch infringement proceedings against EU countries that do not comply. It monitors the functioning of the Single Market, producing evaluations and key economic reports. The Single Market Forum gathers stakeholders to examine the state of the Single Market and contributes to policy evaluation. The forum monitors the implementation of the Single Market Act.